Bella Luma Photography

Coming soon... Elizabeth & Carl's Wedding

2011-10-13T08:56:00.001-04:00

Newsletter! * ShopTalk * Southwestern, PA Photographer

2011-08-26T14:21:00.001-04:00

Sign up to receive a monthly newsletter from Bella Luma! The newsletter will contain updates on new sessions, products, promotions, contests, and other fun stuff!
Click here to sign up: http://bellalumaphotography.blogspot.com/p/contact-us.html

Ideas for Christmas photos * ShopTalk * Southwestern, PA Photographer

2011-08-16T09:42:00.000-04:00

It’s hard to think about Christmas when it’s 90 degreesoutside but this is the best time to think about getting your family’s phototaken for Christmas cards.

Think outsidethe box. Do something fun and unexpected that will get a chuckle from friendsand family.
Include yourpet!
Ugly ChristmasSweaters
Pajamas!
Make a statement
Go Traditional
Have a theme
Remake a classic

Christmas will be here before you know it! * ShopTalk * Southwestern, PA Photographer

2011-08-14T10:23:00.003-04:00

Want to do something different for this year’s Christmas card? Photo ornaments areperfect! This Christmas card doubles as an ornament your friends and familymembers can hang from their tree or the mantle.

I’maccepting Christmas card orders up until October. If you already have a photoyou’d like to use contact me and I will give you info on how to send me yourphoto. If the photo was taken by a professional photographer other than me Irequire a letter from that photographer that states you are permitted to use thephoto. If you do not have a photo now’s the perfect time to schedule a session!But hurry, Christmas will be here before you know it!

Senior Sessions & Rep Program * Seniors * Southwestern, PA Photographer

2011-08-13T10:57:00.002-04:00

Summer is sadly coming to an end and the firstday of school will be here before we know it. Depressing… I know.
For everyone who will be asenior this year, it’s time to book your senior shoot before winter hits.

Senior rep program: Signup to be a senior rep! For every person who brings your rep card and books asession you get $5 towards prints or a gift card to your favorite place.Example: You have 10 people you referred book a session and you get $50 to thestore/restaurant of your choice or use the $50 towards photo prints andproducts! 2 Reps per school district.

Pre-Order your Christmas cards!!! * Shop Talk * Southwestern, PA photographer

2011-08-04T16:39:00.005-04:00

Pre-Order your Christmas cards now through the end of August!

Use an existing photo and get free shipping
Book a session to have your Christmas card photo taken and get 25% off the session fee and free shipping on the cards

Christmas cards will be in at the end of October.

Growth Charts! * Things we ♥ * Southwestern Pa Photographer

2011-08-04T16:27:00.003-04:00

Photo Magnets * Things we ♥ * Southwestern Pa Photographer

2011-07-13T10:13:00.003-04:00

TURN YOUR FAVORITE PHOTOS INTO MAGNETS!!!

New! Schedule a session * Shop Talk * Southwestern Pa Photographer

2011-06-14T12:49:00.002-04:00

Now you can schedule a session or meeting online by clicking on "Schedule a session" on our website, blog, or facebook!

Eli * my LIFE * southwestern pa photographer

2011-05-20T15:24:00.002-04:00

I've been slacking on the blog... I know, shame on me but I claim to have a very good reason and his name is Eli, born 5.5.11, 8lbs 14 oz!

25% OFF GALLERY WRAPS!!!! * ShopTalk * southwestern pa photographer

2011-02-18T16:37:00.002-05:00

Have a favorite photo you want to display but not sure how?

Make it stand out with a Gallery Wrap!

February 18 - 25, 2011 order your Gallery Wrap and get 25% off!

Arya * Babies * Apollo, PA Photographer

2011-02-15T10:27:00.003-05:00

I love how in daddy's arms little ones just fall asleep because they feel so safe.

I love this photo! Both faces are priceless.

Matt and Tina * Wedding * Vandergrift, PA Photographer

2011-01-09T13:04:00.001-05:00

I've known Matt and Tina since high school. They are two of the sweetest people I know and two of the most in love. I cried at the wedding and then again while editing the photos. You can see the genuine love and happiness in the photos.

Elizabeth & Carl * Engagement * Natrona Heights, PA Photographer

2011-01-06T15:57:00.001-05:00

Elizabeth and Carl are getting married in October this year and we can't wait but until then we got together to shoot some engagement photos. Audra shot this session and did a wonderful job! The light was beautiful, the couple is photogenic and Elizabeth's eyes are mesmerizing.

Advice for photographers starting out

2011-01-04T07:58:00.002-05:00

When I first started out I was an assistant and I used that time to learn as much as I could. There was one piece of advice that I've used a lot over the years. I was nervous about shooting my first wedding and didn't know how to go about to get my first clients. My mentor told me, "Your client will only have as much confidence in you as you have in yourself. If you are nervous or doubts don't show it and don't hint at it. Confidence is key." Before a lot of my client meetings or if I'm getting nervous before a shoot I tell myself what she said as a little pep talk and instantly my outlook and attitude changes. This advice has allowed me to go outside my comfort zone several times. I hope you take this advice with you and it helps you to go outside your comfort zone with confidence.

Nashville wedding photographers, Sean & Mel McLellan of McLellan Style are giving away business books to help you improve your business. Want one of them?—and want to help other people build their businesses at the same time? Visit their business books blog post!

2011 Wedding Dates * Weddings * Southwestern, PA Photographer

2011-01-03T09:03:00.002-05:00

WE STILL HAVE SEVERAL 2011 WEDDING DATES AVAILABLE!!!!!

Marc * Seniors * Apollo, PA Photographer

2010-12-29T19:34:00.002-05:00

Allison * Seniors * Leechburg, PA Photographer

2010-08-27T09:43:00.002-04:00

I don't really have time for this but I couldn't help myself. Here are a few photos from the senior shoot with Allie last night.

The everyday things... * myLIFE * Leechburg, PA Photographer

2010-07-29T08:37:00.001-04:00

I grew up on a turkey farm and my husband has worked there for several years now so I'm there whenever I have a free day or I volunteer to work. We were contacted recently about photos of turkeys and we said, "sure, that's easy." Then I looked and looked but for the life of me I couldn't find a single photo of a turkey. You may be thinking, "What!?!?!? But you LIVE on a TURKEY farm." Yeah, I know and in the 20 years I was able to use a camera I didn't photograph a turkey. Why? Simple. Turkeys to me are an everyday thing, not something special. Most people don't photograph things they take for granted will be there tomorrow and the next day, and the next. It's not until that one thing is gone or changed that we think, "I wish I had a photo of..."
Newspaper photographers used to come every year around Thanksgiving and it was my job to give them the tour. Most of them would make the comment that if they could they would stay for hours photographing the turkeys. I would laugh and say, "not me!" Yesterday I spent several hours photographing turkeys (insert foot in mouth). Here are what I've known everyday of my life for 26 years.

2 day old baby turkey (poult)

Only 3 months old - not very friendly or cuddly

National bird? What was Ben Franklin thinking! Maybe he was hungry...

Yes we have a lot of turkeys and when you go in the pen they like to crowd you. There's an empty half of the coop so don't panic they have plenty of room to move and plenty of open windows for air circulation.

Lisa & Gary * Weddings * Cooksburg, PA Photographer

2010-07-26T07:18:00.001-04:00

Lisa & Gary were married July 24, 2010 at Gateway Lodge in Cooksburg, PA.
Now that the details are out of the way all I have to say is that Lisa and Gary are the sweetest people I think I've ever met! Their wedding was small and intimate; you really got to know everyone and feel like a part of the family. The day was focused on their genuine love and happiness and nothing could ruin their day, not even a little cake mishap :-)
I love this couple, I love their family, and I can't wait until the picnic in August!
Thank you for inviting me to be a part of your wedding day!

Photoshop Workshop!!!! * ShopTalk * Southwestern, PA Photographer

2010-05-29T12:19:00.001-04:00

Sign up on Facebook! or email me at info@bellalumaphotography.com

If you want to learn how to navigate and use Photoshop tools to edit/enhance photos this workshop is for you!
You will learn:

what all the tools are used for
Basic editing - color correction, sharpening, skin tone, etc.
how to change your photos to black & white, sepia toned, and other effects
working with layers
and more

This will be a two day event - evening of Friday, June 25th and morning-afternoon of Saturday, June 26th.
What you need: a laptop computer and Photoshop (if you do not have Photoshop and have a PC we can download a 30day trial you can use to try it out and learn on)

Cost: $50 if you sign up before June 14th
$75 after June 14th
After you sign up you will be sent more in depth details.

When you sign up if you have any questions about Photoshop or how to do a certain technique email me at info@bellalumaphotography.com. I will answer all questions at the workshop.

Lexie! * Kiddos * Leechburg, PA Photographer

2010-05-28T21:28:00.004-04:00

We kept telling her Tinkerbell was on top of my camera lens. She was showing us where Tink was.

Sneak Peek! Lexie * Kiddos * Leechburg, PA Photographer

2010-05-21T09:44:00.001-04:00

Custom iPhone Cases! * Things we ♥ * Southwestern, PA Photographer

2010-05-18T10:08:00.001-04:00

How awesome are these custom iPhone cases?!? Schedule a mini-session or use photos from a previous session/event! Cases are only $40!

Keepsake Boxes * Things we ♥ * Shouthwestern PA Photographer

2010-03-26T21:13:00.001-04:00

New from Bella Luma and included in the Senior Collections is the Keepsake Box!

Schedule your Senior Shoot * Seniors * Southwestern, PA Photographer

2010-03-21T08:44:00.003-04:00

The weather is getting warmer and things are starting to come back to life after the long cold winter. NOW'S THE TIME TO SCHEDULE YOUR SENIOR PHOTO SHOOT!!!!

Jocelyn & Brian - Sneak Peek! * Weddings * Southwestern, PA Photographer

2009-10-23T10:01:00.001-04:00

Rings * Weddings * Southwestern, PA Photographer

2009-06-30T12:42:00.001-04:00

I've noticed in a lot of my weddings I get a little obsessed with the details. This past wedding I did it with the rings. Here are a few of the ring shots:

Jen & Jason * Weddings * Irwin, PA Photographer

2009-06-05T10:20:00.001-04:00

I LOVED THIS WEDDING! The wedding party was a riot, the bride was beautiful, the groom was easy going, the priest was wonderful and the day turned out to be sunshine and blue skies.

I love these shoes!

This is the first wedding I've been to where everyone danced - it was a lot of fun!

This guy (among others) was listening to the Pens game and keeping everyone updated.
After a long day, it's moments like these that remind me why I love my job.

Sneak Peek: Alyssa & Matt * Weddings * Southwestern, PA Photographer

2009-05-01T09:11:00.001-04:00

This past Saturday I had the privilege to photograph Matt & Alyssa's wedding. These two are so sweet, not camera shy and the bride was absolutely beautiful.

Jocelyn & Brian * Engagement * Pittsburgh, PA Photographer

2009-04-28T12:17:00.001-04:00

I almost didn't get the chance to photograph these two this year, boy am I glad I do! We went to Mount Washington for their engagement session. It was cold and gray but that didn't seem to bother them. I just think they are an adorable couple! Can't wait to photograph their wedding!

Lexie & Mason * Babies * Southwestern, PA Photographer

2009-03-12T17:05:00.001-04:00

Sneak Peak… Lexie!

March 11, 2009

Introducing Mason!

March 8, 2009

When babies are sleeping you can photograph them just about anywhere. When they are awake it’s a little more of a challenge and this little bugger had his mind set on staying awake for his photo session. Mason also likes to make faces at the camera.

Who can resist baby feet!

Christmas at home * Portraits * Leechburg, PA Photographer

2009-01-07T09:42:00.001-05:00

Right after Christmas a friend of mine asked me to come to her sister’s house to take photos of her family. Her brother, who lives out of state was home and they hadn’t had photos of all of them together taken in a long time. Nothing formal, just relaxed.

I loved the kids!